So I remember Savannah (I think) mentioning that she had some cool pins made up for LEO gifts one year. I thought that would be fun to do. I'm hoping to get some cute junior police/ranger badges made up. I'm reaching out to a few friends in the promo business to see if I can get a short run of these:

Truthfully, all of my experiences were pleasant. It helped that as I flew in I carried zero contraband and did not spend much time at the big sound camps. They're human beings too and I like to think that creating positive experiences for them could carry over into their dealings with other Burners.

I think I was the person who mentioned I made pins for LEO's. It was a very cool 2" pin that had a police shield, American flag and the BM logo on it.

I kept them in my backpack and would offer them to friendly police along the way, but realized they were concerned that I was digging in my bag for "something" for them. I pinned a few on my hat and offered them from there. If they wanted an extra, they were ok at that point with me getting another one from my backpack.

This past year, I went over to a Pershing County Sheriff car after seeing them snap a few photos of some amazing art on the playa. It turns out that they were enjoying the event as much or more so than the participants. I'll bet we talked for 15 minutes and I gave them some great swag to take home. One asked for an extra necklace for his wife!

Shambala wrote:I think I was the person who mentioned I made pins for LEO's. It was a very cool 2" pin that had a police shield, American flag and the BM logo on it.

I kept them in my backpack and would offer them to friendly police along the way, but realized they were concerned that I was digging in my bag for "something" for them. I pinned a few on my hat and offered them from there. If they wanted an extra, they were ok at that point with me getting another one from my backpack.

This past year, I went over to a Pershing County Sheriff car after seeing them snap a few photos of some amazing art on the playa. It turns out that they were enjoying the event as much or more so than the participants. I'll bet we talked for 15 minutes and I gave them some great swag to take home. One asked for an extra necklace for his wife!

Yep. It was you!

Thanks for the idea. I'm obviously stealing it! And thanks for the heads up about how to gift them without looking suspicious.

This is a fantastic idea...I love it that you will be (one of) our goodwill ambassador to the LEO's. You are exactly right that it will help with attitude adjustment.

I'm planning on making some pendant necklaces as gifts as well, I think I'll tailor a few to be specific to the LEO's.

My interactions have always been positive and the only time I saw any police taking action, it was to provide medical help to a burner who had gone a little too far with their party. I'd love to be able to reward the LEO's who are there to make our burn fun & safe!

"It is all very beautiful and magical here - a quality which cannot be described. You have to live it and breath it., let the sun bake it into you" - Ansel Adams

I have long been an advocate of a charm offensive with the LEO's. In selecting slogans or words on LEO gifts here is an idea: something that is authentic to the higher aspirations of the LEO culture and the Nevada culture/ and something that reenforces participants desires about what we want LEO's focused on. Here are some ideas: "Protecting the Black Rock Desert", "Keeping Burning Man Participants Safe", "A Force For Good", "We're Here to Help". Sure readers can come up with more.

Also a lot of maker spaces have laser engravers which make small runs of lettering inexpensive. Check ahead on what materials they can engrave.

some seeing eye wrote:I have long been an advocate of a charm offensive with the LEO's. In selecting slogans or words on LEO gifts here is an idea: something that is authentic to the higher aspirations of the LEO culture and the Nevada culture/ and something that reenforces participants desires about what we want LEO's focused on. Here are some ideas: "Protecting the Black Rock Desert", "Keeping Burning Man Participants Safe", "A Force For Good", "We're Here to Help". Sure readers can come up with more.

Also a lot of maker spaces have laser engravers which make small runs of lettering inexpensive. Check ahead on what materials they can engrave.

That idea is all kinds of fabulous.

*** 2013 Survival Guide ***"I must've lost it when I was twerking at the trash fence." -- BBadger